Principal’s Weekly Post – Week 10

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope this message finds you well as we continue to move through a productive and engaging academic year.

I would firstly like to extend a huge congratulations to our Year 11 students for their truly fantastic start to the mock examinations this week. Their focus, resilience, and maturity have been superb. Taking on these significant exams is a critical step in their preparation for the summer, and the atmosphere of quiet dedication in the halls has been inspiring.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming the parents and carers of our Year 8 students to our Parents’ Evening next week. This is a crucial opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, celebrate their achievements, and collaboratively plan for their continued development.

• Date: Wednesday 19 November
• New time: 3:30 – 6:30pm

We hope this new extended and slightly earlier time frame will offer greater flexibility for you to attend. Please ensure you have booked your appointment slots.

This week we dedicated significant time and energy to Anti-Bullying Week, reinforcing our school’s unwavering commitment to a culture of respect, inclusion, and kindness. I was incredibly proud of the engagement across the whole school.

Our activities included:

• Tutor Time Activities: Focused discussions and lessons to define bullying and understand its impact.
• Odd Sock Day: A visible and fun demonstration of our commitment to celebrating what makes us all unique.
• Kindness Postcards: Postcards were written and delivered, spreading positivity among both staff and students.
• Bake Sale: A successful bake sale was held, with all proceeds being donated directly to the Anti-Bullying Alliance, a wonderful cause that supports this critical work nationally.

Thank you to all the students and staff who championed these activities. Remember, being kind and standing up for others is not just a week-long effort; it is what we expect every day at York High.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone about the open invitation to all parents/carers to join me for an informal “Coffee with the Principal” session.

• When: Wednesday 19 November
• Time: 3:30pm

This will be a chance for us to discuss the survey results, share ideas, and chat more generally about the school in a relaxed setting. We look forward to seeing many of you there.

Warmly,

Gavin Kumar
Principal

Parent Survey

Thank you to those that have already submitted their responses to our Parent Survey.

If you have not yet done so, we would be grateful if you could please take a few minutes to complete this before 12pm on Wednesday 19 November.

Your views are vital to our continued improvement and you can access the survey HERE.

Crossroads Drama Production

Last week our Year 10 Music and Drama students had a viewing of a short production called ‘Crossroads’ from Norwegian Theatre company, Erler Theatre. They were visiting York as part of the Aesthetica Film Festival and York High was the only school in York to have a visit from them. The production took place in a van and utilised binaural sound.

Students were able to have a Q&A session with the team about their routes into their careers and any advice they would give to students wanting to access careers in the Arts.

Duke of Edinburgh

It has been lovely to see the plethora of activities our students are undertaking for the physical, skills and volunteering sections of their award. If your child has not submitted their programme planner for approval, they must do this by Friday 21 November. Any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Lancaster on r.lancaster@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk. Please can you also ensure any outstanding payments on ParentPay have been settled.

On Thursday 18 December at 2:45pm there will be a short meeting about the expedition prep weekend in February. Students need to attend with an idea of the groups that they want to be in. We recommend groups of around five. I have also put this information on the DofE Google Classroom for students.

Nomination for National Award

The Performing Arts Department is now entering its third year working alongside Pilot Theatre, who are based in York. We have submitted successful, joint funding bids to improve our students’ access to experiences within the Arts industries and also to support their learning in the classroom. We are very excited to announce that this partnership has been nominated and is now one of the finalists in the Music and Drama Education Awards 2026 in the ‘Outstanding Drama Initiative’ category.

We are thrilled to have been nominated alongside companies such as the National Theatre and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Mrs Lancaster, Oli O’Shea (Pilot Theatre) and Carolyn Bradley (director of our school play last summer) are all attending a black tie event in London in February for the awards ceremony.

York St John Trip 2

This week, Mrs Crotty led the second Year 10 visit to York St John University. This was one of our Year 10 workplace experiences as well as an opportunity to understand the options available within higher education. Students asked lots of brilliant questions and really engaged – well done to all involved!

Residentials – Year 8-10

Thank you to all parents and guardians who have made the second deposit payments for the Liverpool (Year 8), London (Year 9) and Battlefields (Year 10) trips. If you have not yet made the payment, please do so as soon as possible via ParentPay, or cash via main reception.

Post-16 Taster Days

YHS History Alumni

We’re looking for former students who did GCSE History who would be interested in sharing their top tips for success, either in GCSE History or A Level.

If you’re interested, please email careers@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk

Carr Junior School Governor vacancies

Community Cupboard

Our school is committed to helping those in need through our community cupboard, ensuring that every student and family has access to essential food/household items. Donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated, as they help us continue to support the local community.

If you or someone you know needs any support, please contact Aimee a.stewart@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk or Emma e.masterman@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk, or pop into main reception.

All requests will be handled with care and confidentiality.